Mentor Session: Kareem ElGhayesh (KG BBQ)

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  "date": "2026-03-15",
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      "details": "Born and raised in Cairo, Egypt, Kareem El-Ghayesh grew up cooking alongside his family, learning early how food brings people together. He graduated from Cairo University in 2009 and entered the banking world, but cooking and hosting were always close to his heart.\r\rIn 2012, El-Ghayesh traveled to Austin to visit a friend—and ate barbecue every single day. Back in Cairo, still dreaming of brisket, he bought a Weber grill and began experimenting with smoking meats. Eager to deepen his understanding of Texas barbecue, he took a month off work in 2015 and returned to Austin, eating his way through the city before landing a job at Kerlin BBQ, where he learned classic Central Texas techniques. In 2016, he left his banking career behind, planning to stay in Texas for only a few months—but he fell in love with Austin and made it his permanent home.\r\rSince relocating, El-Ghayesh has trained at Austin Community College’s culinary program and worked under world-class pitmasters and butchers at spots including Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ, Lambert’s, Salt & Time, Interstellar BBQ, Freedmen’s, and Rollin’ Smoke. Over the following years, he hosted private dinners and pop-ups, gradually weaving Egyptian flavors into Texas barbecue.\r\rIn October 2022, he opened KG BBQ, his full-fledged Egyptian barbecue concept. Signature dishes such as the brisket rice bowl, smoked lamb chops, and pomegranate ribs reflect his Egyptian heritage while honoring his deep love for Texas barbecue.\r\rEl-Ghayesh has since earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand, received a James Beard Awards nomination for Best Chef: Texas, competed on Season 3 of BBQ Showdown, and spoken as a TEDx presenter.",
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